Poe through the Glass Prism

Quoth the Raven, "Oh my God!"

Here's another one of those "concept albums" that people used to do back in the 70's before musicians realized that it was a bad bet to expect people to have any interest in actual artistry. This one has the bold idea of recording a series of rock tunes set to the poetry of Edgar Allen Poe. All in all, it's not a bad idea, and one that must have been largely lost on the dope-smoking rock-n-roll record buyers of the era.

The music on this album is really pretty cool. Check out "The Raven", which I understand hit the charts for at least a little while in 1974. Its wailing Hammond organ sounds and monotone vocal delivery are pretty catchy. I also enjoy the way the band combines early-Beatles haircuts with late-Beatles costuming. Who can possibly resist a band with a velvet jacket and a giant black bird? Not me!

Songs:

Mike
(mkarsnak@comcast.net)
says:
Finally!!! I,ve been waiting so long for this reunion to happen. You guys were such an inspiration to me. Loved when you did Vanilla Fudge and Illusion songs. I'll never forget the first time I saw you guys playing at the American Legion on N. Washington Ave. across from the Masonic Temple. From then on, I was a follower. A "Special Thanks" to Jack for Ticket Sales at his music store and Mike for keeping us posted for transportation to and from the concert in Philly.
(09-27-2007)

Doc
(musicdoc@verizon.net)
says:
I am beside myself right now-- ecstatic that I saw the album cover first and about had a bird. I was a fan when I was only 13-- saw these guys in 1969 at some dance hall in Carbondale, PA. They were SO COOL. And myself being an aspiring musician-- I later went on in the business doing studio percussion work and touring, but I can still hear the songs in my head. My wife doesn't understand, but I hope to get my hands on a copy of this recording somehow. Only saw these guys one time. Never again. And after I gave away the album (when I "grew up") I regretted it. Back then we didn't have the Web and searches. Now that I have found it, I can appreciate them again. I also am reading the blogs and seeing that they are back together again. Have they played somewhere this year. I have been living in Tampa, Florida for 30 years-- originally from western Pennsylvania. I would enjoy hearing from anyone who's a fan and can tell me what these guys are up to. Thanks and I hope you 'Prism fans are diggin' your 70s memories. I got mine goin' on right now!
(09-26-2007)

butch
says:
hay ray where have you been, I knew about the reunion for the last 5 months
(09-26-2007)

Mike
(gazoo98@aol.com)
says:
Prism Fans, Checkout www.glasprismband.com All the information you need is there posted on the blog.German Society of Pennsylvania611 Spring Garden StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19123October 27,20077:30 pm This hall only holds 300…This is an evevent that can not be missed. I am organizing limo, bus form the old Victoria Inn on rt 315. See you in Philly
(09-23-2007)

Ray
says:
News flash! There will be a reunion very soon, just heard it on Rock 107!
(09-22-2007)

Mike
(gazoo98@aol.com)
says:
Prism fans, Have you heard the commerical on 102.3? Its Great. I saved it on my pc. If you would like a copy email me. See you in Philly, Mike
(09-22-2007)

Mike
(gazoo98@aol.com)
says:
Hi Prism fans. I like to thank Frank LaRosa for this site. Many Prism fans and friends have been reunited because of it. See you in Philly, Mike
(09-22-2007)

Ric L
(ricphotog@yahoo.com)
says:
I have heard numerous rumors of "THE GLASS PRISM"getting back together. And here we are; still ready to stand and see the band again.

Unreal.

My Uncle Gene Signed them to RCA. He has long past but with most likely be there in spirit.
(09-18-2007)

kyla
(kylabon22@yahoo.com)
says:
BERGIE, you make it sound like Augie is dead... "WHILE AUGIE WAS WITH US"... I know Augie, and he IS still with us.
(09-18-2007)

If you have’t already purchased ticket to this event. I suguest do so quickly the hall only holds 300!!! Just a reminder. Keep ckecking this blog for updates and if you need a seat on the Limo or bus. Rock On, Mike
(09-13-2007)

Mike
(gazoo98@aol.com)
says:
Hi Tony, You are stil a cheap railroader! Pay the $20 bucks.... LOL I bought two and I am not giving them up... They will go on sale at a store in WestScranton... check here and at glassprismband.com blog for up dates. Rock On Mike
(09-09-2007)

Robin
says:
Checkout the website and myspace. Find out about the reunion at the Edgar Allen Poe Historic Site in Philadelphia.

www.glassprismband.comwww.myspace.com/glassprism
(09-08-2007)

Glenna Baker
(keywest012000@yahoo.com)
says:
I remember this from my senior year in HS, I did my term paper on Poe! Does anyone know where I can get a copy of the music? The Glass Prism - WOW!
(09-08-2007)

Jody Miler
(jm64@aol.com)
says:
Ah the great live groups of the 60's and 70's....I remember them all The Avantis, The Bouys,The Rogues, The goldtones, the Blue Horizons, The Novas.. The El Caminos,I also remember attending the WARM dance partys at The Avoca legion, Moscow fire hall,West Pittston Armory and more..would love to see a reunion of them all.........
(09-07-2007)

mazz
(amazzarella@comcast.com)
says:
i think that it's great that the guys are getting back for this gig.i was part of the setup guys in the beginning with frank,donnie,and milty.it is part of my past i will never forget.great times and packed venues.looking forward to the reunion.(back stage passes would be great for the old setup guys Augie).
(08-28-2007)

Bill
(bearcat052@gmail.com)
says:
Don't know if any of you remember a place called What's Happening in Scranton. I worked there and a few other venue's. Never ever were any of them full with more loyal fans than those of the El Caminoes and the Glass Prism. I have thought of the groups many times over the years and had hoped for them to someday do a reunion. Seeing this posted today had filled this old man"s (aren't we all) heart with great joy. Can anyone out there post The Raven on Lime Wire I sure would love to download it. please feel free to write to me if you do bearcat052 at gmail.com Thanks all....
(08-14-2007)

Mike
(gazoo98@aol.com)
says:
German Society of Pennsylvania611 Spring Garden StreetPhiladelphia, PA 191237:30 pm This hall only holds 300…This is an evevent that can not be missed. I am organizing limo, bus form the old Victoria Inn on rt 315. Doing something local would be great. I strongely have susgested it two of the band members. Glass Prism, just say the word we will find a hall big enough to hold all your loacl thousands of fans. Fans keep your ear to 102.3fm the Mountain. TGP feel free to contact me if you need any help with finding any equiptment. Rock ON, MIKE

(08-12-2007)

BERGIE
(Finderskep@aol.com)
says:
I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO PLAY DRUMS IN MULE WHILE AUGIE WAS WITH US.AUGIE HAD A SPECIAL KIND OF STAGE ATTITUDE THAT WOULD DRIVE CROUDS CRAZY.IT WAS A PLEASURE. BEING ON THE LOCAL SCENE AT THE SAME TIME AS THE GLASS PRISOM DID NOT ALLOW US TO FREQUENTLY ATTEND THEIR SHOWS BUT WHEN I HAD A CHANCE I DID . THEY WOULD PLAY FOR EXTREMELY PACKED ROOMS AND ALWAYS PUT ON A THUNDERESS SHOW. THE SONGS ON POE THROUGH THE GLASS PRISOM WERE AWSOME.I STILL HAVE THE ALBUM ON MY PERSONEL JUKEBOX AND LISTEN TO IT FREQUENTLY.I MUST SAY I THINK THEY SHOULD ALSO PLAY A REUNIUN IN THE SCRANTON AREA. I WOULD BE THERE,GOOD LUCK GUYS.
(08-08-2007)

Jack Vitale of band "Se A Cabo
says:
I am so glad that this GREAT band's popularitystill is active in 2007. I guess I'm not the onlyGlass Prism fan left on this earth. Augie, the lead singer on the "RAVEN", was excellent. He lived right down the street from me. His familyrented off my aunt and uncle. And I would love to hear him sing just one more time. But, now let's not forget the other vocalist in the band. Rick Richards. What a fantastic voice he had.His vibrato is beautiful. I am fortunate enoughto have a copy of Shenandoah's tape they made long ago. And there is a song on it called "Makin'Friends" on it that Rick sings,that alwaysbrings tears to my eyes. And I'm no crybaby.But his voice is phenomenol. So, listen to the other cuts also. There are a few gems in there.I have to also add that he is a great drummer.SMOOTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Also a very nice guy. I have the both albums.They are both excellent. Louie kicks ass too!
(08-05-2007)